A Transformative Donation
In April 2025, U of T launched the Lawson Climate Institute, named in honour of Brian Lawson and Joannah Lawson’s transformative $60-million donation. The Lawson Climate Institute will galvanize and accelerate U of T’s capacity to advance the technologies, policies, and incentives needed to make the global transition to net zero.
Building on U of T’s global reputation for sustainability and environmental stewardship
The Lawson Climate Institute will combine and catalyze U of T’s multidisciplinary strengths in engineering, science, finance, law, economics, business, and agriculture, as well as foster collaboration with governments, the private sector and public-sector institutions, in translating solutions-oriented research into real-world sustainable technologies and equitable, practical climate policies.
Anchored by Four Key Pillars
The Lawson Climate Institute will generate practical, effective and equitable climate solutions by focusing on four core areas of interconnected activity. By investing across these areas, accelerating their momentum and creating new mechanisms for knowledge-sharing and collaboration between them, the Lawson Climate Institute will multiply its impact.
Sustainable Innovation and Technology
Solutions-oriented research, enabling innovation, entrepreneurship and partnerships
Leaders for a Sustainable Future
Three new research chairs (climate-tech, climate-policy, climate-food) and support for students to become leaders.
Climate Policy and Sustainable Finance
Research on policy and finance that translates into action and impact, helping to incentivize solutions to climate change
Climate Positive Campus
Transforming University of Toronto campuses into living laboratories, engaging students and industry partners in demonstrating novel and practical ways to create sustainable institutions
Your Expertise Belongs Here
The Lawson Climate Institute is inviting applications for three endowed faculty positions that will lead innovation to advance interdisciplinary climate solutions. These endowed chairs are key to the success of the institute.
Explore career opportunities below and help build a more sustainable future:
- Associate Professor/Professor – Lawson Chair in Climate Policy Innovation
- Associate Professor/Professor – Lawson Chair in Sustainable Food Systems
- Associate Professor/Professor – Lawson Chair in Sustainable Energy
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